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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →If Off is missing from the Listening Mode choices on AirPods Pro 2 or AirPods Pro 3, first enable Off Listening Mode in the AirPods settings. If its switch is not visible, look under Audio & Routing. Then choose Off in the Listening Mode selector. The setting requires a compatible host device and software version.
Enable Off Listening Mode on iPhone or iPad
- Connect your AirPods to the iPhone or iPad.
- Open Settings and tap the name of your AirPods.
- If you have AirPods Pro 2 or AirPods Pro 3, find Off Listening Mode. If it is not shown, open Audio & Routing and look there.
- Turn on Off Listening Mode, then select Off under Listening Mode.
Apple lists iOS 18.1 or later and iPadOS 18.1 or later as compatible software for this control on AirPods Pro 2 and Pro 3. See Apple’s instructions for Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency modes.
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Enable it on a Mac
- Connect your AirPods to the Mac.
- Open System Settings and select your AirPods.
- For AirPods Pro 2 or Pro 3, enable Off Listening Mode. If the option is not immediately visible, check Audio & Routing.
- Choose Off in the Listening Mode selector.
Apple lists macOS Sequoia 15.1 or later as compatible host software for this feature on Pro 2 and Pro 3. The settings screen can vary by AirPods model; Apple’s guide to changing AirPods settings explains how to open the model’s controls.
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What to check if the switch still does not appear
- Check the model. The prerequisite to enable Off Listening Mode applies to AirPods Pro 2 and Pro 3. Do not assume other AirPods models use the same toggle or offer identical modes.
- Check the host software. For Pro 2 and Pro 3, use iOS 18.1 or later, iPadOS 18.1 or later, or macOS Sequoia 15.1 or later, depending on the device.
- Look inside Audio & Routing. Apple’s instructions direct users there when the Off Listening Mode switch is not visible.
- Use model-specific controls. Available listening modes and controls differ among AirPods families. Apple’s mode-switching guide covers AirPods 4 (ANC), AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max.
What choosing Off changes
On AirPods Pro 2 and Pro 3, turning Listening Mode off disables Hearing Protection features. If you rely on those features, consider that effect before selecting Off.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
Rank #4
- REBUILT FOR COMFORT — AirPods 4 have been redesigned for exceptional all-day comfort and greater stability. With a refined contour, shorter stem, and quick-press controls for music or calls.
- PERSONALIZED SPATIAL AUDIO — Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking places sound all around you, creating a theater-like listening experience for music, TV shows, movies, games, and more.*
- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY — AirPods 4 feature the Apple-designed H2 chip. Voice Isolation improves the quality of phone calls in loud conditions. Using advanced computational audio, it reduces background noise while isolating and clarifying the sound of your voice for whomever you’re speaking to.*
- MAGICAL EXPERIENCE — Just say “Siri” or “Hey Siri” to play a song, make a call, or check your schedule.* And with Siri Interactions, now you can respond to Siri by simply nodding your head yes or shaking your head no.* Pair AirPods 4 by simply placing them near your device and tapping Connect on your screen.* Easily share a song or show between two sets of AirPods.* An optical in-ear sensor knows to play audio only when you’re wearing AirPods and pauses when you take them off. And you can track down your AirPods and Charging Case with the Find My app.*
- LONG BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 5 hours of listening time on a single charge. And get up to 30 hours of total listening time using the case.*
Rank #3
- Active Noise Cancellation blocks outside noise, so you can immerse yourself in music
- Transparency mode for hearing and interacting with the world around you
- Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking places sound all around you
- Adaptive EQ automatically tunes music to your ears
- Three sizes of soft, tapered silicone tips for a customizable fit
Rank #2
- REBUILT FOR COMFORT — AirPods 4 have been redesigned for exceptional all-day comfort and greater stability. With a refined contour, shorter stem, and quick-press controls for music or calls.
- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation help reduce outside noise before it reaches your ears, so you can immerse yourself in what you’re listening to.*
- HEAR THE WORLD AROUND YOU — The powerful H2 chip comes to AirPods 4. Adaptive Audio seamlessly blends ANC and Transparency mode — which lets you comfortably hear and interact with the world around you exactly as it sounds — to provide the best listening experience in any environment.* And when you’re speaking with someone nearby, Conversation Awareness automatically lowers the volume of what’s playing.*
- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY — Voice Isolation improves the quality of calls in loud conditions. Using advanced computational audio, it reduces background noise while isolating and clarifying the sound of your voice for whomever you’re speaking to.*
- MAGICAL EXPERIENCE — Just say “Siri” or “Hey Siri” to play a song, make a call, or check your schedule.* And with Siri Interactions, now you can respond to Siri by simply nodding your head yes or shaking your head no.* Pair AirPods 4 by simply placing them near your device and tapping Connect on your screen.* Easily share a song or show between two sets of AirPods.* An optical in-ear sensor knows to play audio only when you’re wearing AirPods and pauses when you take them off. And you can track down your AirPods and Charging Case with the Find My app.*
#1 Best Overall
- WORLD’S BEST IN-EAR ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — Removes up to 2x more unwanted noise than AirPods Pro 2* so you can stay fully immersed in the moment.*
- BREAKTHROUGH AUDIO PERFORMANCE — Experience breathtaking, three-dimensional audio with AirPods Pro 3. A new acoustic architecture delivers transformed bass, detailed clarity so you can hear every instrument, and stunningly vivid vocals.
- HEART RATE SENSING — Built-in heart rate sensing lets you track your heart rate and calories burned for up to 50 different workout types.* With iPhone, you will have access to the Move ring, step count, and the new Workout Buddy,* powered by Apple Intelligence.*
- LIVE TRANSLATION — Communicate across language barriers using Live Translation,* enabled by Apple Intelligence.*
- EXTENDED BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 8 hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation on a single charge. Or up to 10 hours in Transparency using the Hearing Aid feature.*
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